Master of Music in Performance
Graduate application deadlines, GRE and TOEFL information are found on the "How to Apply" page at: https://music.psu.edu/prospective/gapply.html
GRADUATE DEGREES
Program Goals
Graduate performance degree programs are designed to provide well-prepared and talented students with the opportunities to develop their performance abilities while furthering their knowledge of music literature and developing effective studio teaching skills. These programs are intended to prepare students for entrance to the world of professional music as performers and teachers or for admission to doctoral-level study. The master of music in Performance degree program is available in three options: keyboard, vocal, and orchestral instruments.
Study and Performance Environment
The performance faculty comprises many distinguished artists, including members of the Pennsylvania Quintet (winds) and the Castalia Ensemble (strings, piano). Both the Penn State Philharmonic and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble sponsor annual student solo competitions. Other student ensembles include chamber orchestra, four bands, three jazz ensembles, eight vocal organizations, including opera theatre, and other more specialized ensembles. Each year the School of Music sponsors more than 200 student and faculty recitals and concerts, while the University's Center for the Performing Arts brings internationally known soloists, ensembles, and orchestras to Penn State. In addition, performance opportunities may be available in the area's professional orchestras.
Program Description
The master of music degree in Performance requires 36 credits of course work. At least one-half of the 36 credits must be 500-level courses, and at least 30 credits must be taken at University Park. Knowledge of the history and theory of Western art music must be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of competency examinations or completion of specified remedial courses in addition to the curricular requirements listed here. An oral examination must be passed in the major area near completion of the program. In addition, a voice major must pass proficiency examinations in French, German, English, Italian, and Latin diction. This requirement may be met by successful completion of the undergraduate sequence of diction courses.
The 36-credit requirement for each option follows:
Voice
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*Performance major 16 credits
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Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2
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**Ensemble 2
(Opera Theatre, Choir, or
Early Music Ensemble)
____________________________________________
***Vocal literature
(Music 478 or Music 480 3
____________________________________________
Seminar in music literature of the
major performance area 2-3
____________________________________________
***Voice pedagogy
(Music 418) 2
____________________________________________
+Music theory or history 3-4
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Master's paper or lecture-recital 1-2
____________________________________________
Graduate degree recital 1
____________________________________________
Electives 0-4
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*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.
**A maximum of 4 credits of ensemble may be counted.
***May be waived if the student has previously passed this or a similar course at another institution with a grade of A or B.
+To be selected from approved list.
Keyboard
____________________________________________
*Performance major 16 credits
____________________________________________
Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2
____________________________________________
**Ensemble
(Music 493 or Music 489) 2
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***Keyboard literature (Music 481) 3
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Keyboard literature seminar 2
____________________________________________
Piano pedagogy
(Music 419 or Music 424) 2
____________________________________________
+Music theory or history 3-4
____________________________________________
Master's paper or lecture-recital 1-2
____________________________________________
Graduate degree recital 1
____________________________________________
Electives 2-4
____________________________________________
*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.
**A maximum of 4 credits of ensemble may be counted.
***May be waived if the student has previously passed this or a similar course at another institution with a grade of A or B.
+To be selected from approved list.
Orchestral instruments
____________________________________________
*Performance major 16 credits
____________________________________________
Introduction to Music Reference
and Research Materials 2
____________________________________________
Ensemble
(distribution of these credits among
various types of ensembles to be
determined by faculty in major area) 4-6
____________________________________________
Music literature
(Music 485, Music 487, or Music 580) 3
____________________________________________
Seminar in music literature of the
major performance area 2-3
____________________________________________
Major area pedagogy
(Music 414, 415, 416, or 417) 1-2
____________________________________________
**Music theory or history 3-4
____________________________________________
Graduate degree recital 1
____________________________________________
+Electives 0-4
____________________________________________
*A maximum of 16 credits may be counted toward meeting the minimum total credits for the degree.
**To be selected from approved list.
+May select Music 594 (Master’s paper research) as an elective.
In all options, unsatisfactory performance on the competency examinations in music history and theory taken at the beginning of the program may result in the necessity of additional course work.
Admission Requirements
A candidate applying for admission to the master's degree program in performance must have earned a recognized bachelor's degree in music with at least a 2.8 junior-senior grade-point average. A typical bachelor’s degree in music includes the following:
a. 12-16 credits in music theory and analysis
b. 6-9 credits in music history
A candidate who is deficient in any area may be considered for admission, but must be prepared to make up the deficiency, without credit toward the degree.
Performance degree applicants must show evidence of performance abilities and repertoire consistent with those expected of graduating Penn State students in the bachelor of music in performance program.
Admission Procedures
The admission process begins with completion of the on-line graduate admission application (the new web address is http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/) and payment of the application fee. The application fee is non-refundable. If application fee is not paid, application will NOT be reviewed. Information about the graduate application fee can be found at http://gradsch.psu.edu/prospective/apply.html.
Some application materials are to be UPLOADED to the online application; some mailed to the School of Music Graduate Admissions address listed at the bottom of this page.
Although the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required, scores can be helpful if the applicant wishes to be considered for fellowships that are awarded by the Graduate School.
Applicants who wish to be considered for graduate assistantships should schedule auditions/ interviews as early as possible in the semester preceding the semester for which admission is desired.
In summary, application materials listed below must be submitted before an application will be reviewed:
□ Penn State online Graduate School Admission Application and non-refundable application fee
http://gradsch.psu.edu/portal/
□ *Two (2) official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate. (Must be sent by postal mail to School of Music Graduate Admissions address listed below - DO NOT upload to online application. A Transcript Request Form is provided in online application.)
*An official transcript is an official listing from a university of all courses taken, including grades earned for each course. The transcript must also list the title of the degree and the date the degree was conferred, if the student has already graduated. If the transcripts do not list this information, then the original diploma must be included with the transcripts. International applicants must submit official or attested university records, with certified translations if the records are not in English. Notarized copies of the official transcripts are not sufficient.
□ Two letters of recommendation (Applicant must list recommender's name and e-mail address on REFERENCE section of online application; RECOMMENDER UPLOADS HIS/HER LETTER TO APPLICANT'S ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION APPLICATION.)
□ Statement of purpose/goals (Statement outlining your long-range professional goals and how graduate study at Penn State School of Music will help you to attain these goals; maximum of 2 pages; APPLICANT UPLOADS TO ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION APPLICATION.)
□ Repertoire list of solo material, noting works performed; APPLICANT UPLOADS REPERTOIRE LIST TO ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION APPLICATION.)
□ Recital program(s) from a solo recital or other major performance such as a performance with orchestra, etc.; APPLICANT UPLOADS RECITAL PROGRAMS TO ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION APPLICATION.)
□ Audition; An audition is required. A live audition is preferred when possible; however, international students and others from distant localities are sometimes admitted on the strength of a recital recording (DVD or CD). Please contact a faculty member in the performance area to which you are applying as to the format for a recorded audition. Please note that the voice area does not accept recorded auditions. Live auditions are preferred for applicants applying for teaching assistantships. The audition will be conducted by a jury consisting of faculty members in the major area.
Voice, string, and *piano performance applicants must complete an on-line form to schedule an audition. This form will be submitted electronically to us. If you have difficulty with this on-line form, contact the music graduate admissions office at 814-865-1052. Brass, woodwind, and percussion applicants should arrange an audition directly with a faculty member in the applicant's area. See faculty contact information listed by instrument on the Audition Requirements (Graduate) page. If the brass, woodwind, or percussion faculty ask you to audition on one of our undergraduate audition days, you will need to complete the on-line form to schedule an audition.
*Graduate PIANO auditions will be held on all four Saturday audition dates. The dates are listed on the graduate schedule an audition form listed above. If an applicant is unable to meet any of these audition date options, please e-mail Dr. Timothy Shafer, at tps1@psu.edu, to schedule an individual appointment with the piano faculty. Please plan to be here from 10:15 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., as the piano faculty may schedule meeting times and call-back auditions with some candidates. Available teaching assistantships will be offered in early March, and late auditionees will be at a competitive disadvantage.
□ Application for Graduate Assistantship (Not required; However, must be submitted to be considered for graduate assistantships offered by the School of Music; Application is on prospective graduate student financial aid webpage listed below; APPLICANT UPLOADS ASSISTANTSHIP APPLICATION TO ONLINE GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSION APPLICATION.)
music.psu.edu/prospective/gaid.html
□ Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS ONLY - Applicant must request testing agency to mail one official score report to Penn State School of Music. Penn State's institution or DI code for TOEFL is 2660. DO NOT upload to online application.)
Direct all inquiries and mail official transcripts and any necessary recordings to:
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
GRADUATE ADMISSIONS
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
233 MUSIC BUILDING
UNIVERSITY PARK PA 16802-1901
Phone: 814-865-1052
Fax: 814-865-6785
E-mail: music-gr-adm@psu.edu